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The best way to care for your teeth is to have a consistent cleaning routine: brush, floss, and rinse. This ensures that your enamel is kept strong and free from harmful plaque and bacteria. But what is tooth enamel, exactly? What is it made up of, and how do we protect it?

Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of our teeth. Colgate explains that tooth enamel is composed mainly of minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite. It’s the hardest substance in your body. Enamel is essential because it protects your teeth from wear and tear and helps to keep them strong. Moreover, it plays a role in the appearance of your teeth. 

If you have healthy enamel, your teeth will look white and smooth. If your enamel is damaged or thin, your teeth may appear yellow or worn.

How To Care For Tooth Enamel

Did you know that Enamel acts as a barrier that blocks the effects of acid and plaque from the inner layers of your teeth? It protects the sensitive inner layers from foods and beverages that are very hot or cold, potentially damaging your teeth.

Below are ways to take care of your tooth enamel:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and use fluoride mouthwash twice a day, in the morning and evening. Doing this strengthens your tooth enamel and prevents decay.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Stiff bristles can be too abrasive and can wear away tooth enamel. Brush gently because brushing harder won’t help keep your teeth clean. 
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods or beverages to neutralise the acid and protect your tooth enamel.
• Avoid grinding your teeth, as this can also wear away your tooth enamel. If you grind your teeth when you sleep, your dentist should recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups to help maintain the health of your tooth enamel.

What Types of  Foods Affect Tooth Enamel?

You’d be surprised to find that tooth decay starts when food with a high carbohydrate content gets trapped between teeth and doesn’t get completely removed with brushing and flossing, explains Oral B. 

The bacteria in your mouth generate acidic by-products that slowly create holes in the teeth. If untreated, these holes can grow larger over time and destroy the whole tooth – leading to extraction.

Brush your teeth after consuming the below foods:

• Fruits such as oranges, tomatoes, lemons, grapefruits, and fruit juices made from these fruits are highly acidic and can soften and erode the tooth enamel.
• Carbonated drinks and energy drinks are highly acidic and can damage your tooth enamel.
• Coffee and alcohol.
• Pickled foods like sauerkraut have a low pH and can erode tooth enamel.

If you have a history of cavities or sensitivity, it’s essential to be aware of the acidity of the foods and drinks you consume and to try to limit your intake.

Can Tooth Enamel Become Infected?

Tooth enamel cannot become infected. However, the tooth underneath the enamel, known as the dentin, can. If you have a tooth infection, it is typically located in the pulp of the tooth, which is the innermost layer that contains nerves and blood vessels. This infection is called pulpitis and can cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity. 

Pulpitis can lead to an abscess, a pocket of pus that forms at the end of the tooth’s root. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of your face, neck, and head, leading to severe health issues.

To treat a tooth infection, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue inside the tooth. Additionally, they prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection. 

Affinity Dental gives members access to a highly-skilled network of dental health professionals. Contact us today to find out which of our plans suits your needs.